Chapter 351: Ranpaltz (2)
Words : 1565
Updated : Oct 9th, 2025
Chapter 351: Ranpaltz (2)
Chapter 351: Ranpaltz (2)
The moment Mordo met Rudger's gaze, he felt like a mouse standing in front of a snake.
He wanted to argue, but no words came out of his mouth.
Overwhelmed by fear, his thoughts came to a halt, unsure of what to say.
Rudger, who had been looking at him pitifully, finally withdrew his magic, allowing Mordo to catch his breath.
"Huff... Huff..."
Rudger stared at Mordo with a cold gaze.
His decision to withdraw his magic was not out of sympathy but rather out of the necessity to continue the conversation.
Mordo seemed to understand that and bit his lips.
"...Do you think it's okay to ignore Ranpaltz?"
"We have already found a replacement sponsor. Is it necessary for us to bow down to them?"
"Perhaps it seems that way now. But what about next year? The year after? Can this recently grown sponsor of yours sustain the role of our long-standing enterprise?"
Mordo held a certain conviction.
Although the owner of Royal Street had provided the sponsorship for Ranpaltz for now.
He firmly believed that it wouldn't persist in the long run.
They would discover a means to emancipate themselves.
Endurance was inconsequential to them.
For they possessed the capability to stand on their own.
There was a need to show these individuals who dared to covet Ranpaltz's prey.
Rudger was not oblivious to their blatant intentions.
He tapped the table with his finger.
"Ranpaltz, a distinguished conglomerate known for its extensive operations. From mining minerals such as iron, coal, copper, and gold to leading innovations in utilizing natural resources through steam engines and petroleum-based materials, it has established itself as a comprehensive oil refining company. In contrast to the Luke family, whose influence spans across diverse domains."
Mordo's excitement grew as Rudger delved into the details of his company.
"Yes, indeed! We are not just limited to the empire; our conglomerate holds a global reputation. Do you finally grasp the extent of our greatness?"
"Well, it's completely different from the Seron, whic is related to magic."
"You seem to be ignorant. Our Ranpaltz is also involved in businesses related to magic stones. It's not something you can easily understand."
"Well, it's not comparable to Rosen."
"If you compare it to Rosen, which is closely related to magic, of course. But we are closely following its footsteps. Do you know what that means? It means that Ranpaltz is far superior in terms of growth potential."
Rudger pursed his lips at those words.
"Do you take me for a fool? The magic resource business that Ranpaltz started in the first place was all thanks to Seron."
Mordo visibly flinched as Rudger revealed Ranpaltz's past.
As Rudger pointed out, Ranpaltz primarily focused on oil refining.
In an era of pure industries, Ranpaltz would have amassed immense wealth.
However, in this world, magic coexisted with advanced science, holding comparable significance.
The "Magical Liquid," derived from magic-related materials, served as a vital energy resource.
This Magical Liquid was essential for producing magic stones, a crucial element in the magic industry.
Ranpaltz wanted to establish a connection to the magic business by any means necessary.
Therefore, several decades ago, they secured a position among Seron's sponsors by bribing the previous principal with a significant amount of money.
Under the pretext of being sponsors, they joined forces with Seron and obtained patents and some magic business rights from them.
Thanks to that, Ranpaltz was able to gain an advantage over rival companies of similar stature at the time.
They suppressed and absorbed them through mergers and acquisitions, expanding their size to become a major corporation.
"Now those who have received Seron's favor and climbed to that position are betraying Seron and trying to swallow it instead?"
"...Although we received help, if we didn't have the skills, we wouldn't have come this far."
"As time goes by, it seems that everyone has forgotten who helped whom. Then why don't you try surviving with your so-called exceptional skills?"
"Do not underestimate Ranpaltz. With the decades of knowledge and expertise we have acquired in the field of magic, our magic business will continue to thrive."
"Perhaps that's true for now. But what about next year? The year after? Will it maintain the same level of strength and stability?"
Mordo was taken aback as he realized that the very words he had once uttered to Rudger were now being thrown back at him.
"Magic continues to develop in real time, much like science. It constantly faces new challenges and advancements. Can Ranpaltz, having distanced itself from Seron, keep pace with these ever changing trends?"
"Well..."
"Seron will continue to create new magic items, businesses, and patents every year. The old ones will disappear, replaced by new ones that will serve as gifts for future sponsors."
And Ranpaltz will no longer be in that position.
While they may currently maintain their position with their established foundation, in a world characterized by rapid change, Ranpaltz runs the risk of being swept away.
"Hah, if it weren't for us, can they have properly utilized that technology? Do those street peddlers in the service industry know anything about magic?"
"If individuals who started from humble beginnings in the oil industry could achieve such great success, there is no reason why others cannot do the same. In fact, I am convinced that we have the capability to transform them into such formidable contenders."
"Ha, But..."
"You're being stubborn."
In the first place, Seron didn't grow with Ranpaltz's sponsorship.
On the contrary, it was the opposite.
Not wanting to dwell on it, Flora quickly changed the subject.
"But speaking of which, that person just now... The guest from outside, right?"
"Yes."
"I ended up overhearing the conversation unintentionally."
Rudger glanced at Flora and nonchalantly replied.
"Well, he was shouting so loudly that even if you didn't want to hear it, you probably heard it all. I don't blame you for that."
"Weren't those conversations not supposed to be disclosed?"
"From their perspective, I suppose. We're clearly the victims. It would be even better if their misdeeds spread wider."
Unable to say anything, Flora was asked by Rudger indirectly.
"Surprised?"
"Yes. I didn't expect Mr.Rudger to be involved in such matters."
Well, of course.
Seron is just a place where students receive instruction.
Would students studying in the given environment pay attention to the underground conflicts behind it?
"It doesn't matter if you don't know. This kind of thing is the world of adults."
Flora replied in a slightly offended tone to Rudger's words.
"I'm an adult too."
"Adults don't proclaim themselves as adults."
"...I don't need anyone's validation."
"Even those who don't seek validation don't say such things."
"..."
There was no way to refute it.
Rudger glanced at Flora's discontented expression and then opened his mouth with a sigh.
"You don't have to force yourself to become an adult. The pure student days become more precious later on. So enjoy the present. Don't have any regrets."
"Why? Can't it be that way once you become an adult?"
"When you come to understand the world, people can no longer remain pure."
Upon hearing that, Flora recalled Mordo, whom she had encountered earlier.
The middle-aged man who blinded with greed.
"...I thought people become better when they become adults."
"Why do you think that way?"
"Because usually, as you grow older, you gain more experiences and accumulate knowledge. I thought you become more mature and develop empathy."
While saying that, Flora glanced at Rudger from the corner of her eye.
It was a natural response, considering that the person she considered the most ideal adult was right there.
However, Rudger was skeptical of Flora's words.
"Being an adult isn't that great."
"Why?"
"Because it's not something you become just because you want to. Crossing into adulthood is simply a natural occurrence."
Becoming older doesn't necessarily make people better.
No matter how old they are, foolish people remain foolish.
Instead, they only become more stubborn.
"Is the teacher like that too?"
"Yes."
Rudger replied without hesitation.
He didn't become an adult because he wanted to.
He struggled just to survive in this fierce world.
And before he knew it, he was being treated as an adult.
Rudger still didn't consider himself a great adult.
"The important thing is not becoming an adult. It's about what kind of person you become."
Feeling a faint sense of familiarity in that voice, Flora nodded her head unconsciously.
"So, what's the reason for coming to find me? If you came all the way to the Planning Department, there must be something important, right?"
"..."
Ah, that's right.
Flora unconsciously took a deep breath, realizing she had forgotten momentarily.
From her slightly tense and rigid body language, it was clear that she was quite nervous.
Rudger silently waited for Flora.
"I think something is going on in my household."
"Something?"
"Yes. Especially considering the recent incident involving Seron, there might be a connection to the Lumos family."
Upon hearing that, Rudger leaned forward, resting his chin on his hands.
"Tell me more."
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